“This last week we took up and considered a couple of bills that require those seeking unemployment compensation benefits to submit to a test. We also require those that are seeking TANF [Temporary Assistance for Needy Families] to submit to a test,” Lucio said. “If we can do that … as policymakers, I feel very strongly that we could also be … part of, what I believe, will set up a system where we too can be accountable to those that we want to make accountable.”

Sen. Lucio said his bill would require drug testing for newly elected officials, but would allow them to opt out of displaying test results publicly through the Texas Ethics Commission. Lucio even offered his own drug screening results to the committee as proof of his commitment to the bill, which was left pending in committee.